Faithful cheer outside Amway

NBA Finals

If you happened to be outside Amway Arena -- or anywhere within earshot -- you'd know that answer to be "Yes, we do!"

More than 1,000 people gathered together outside of the Magic's house to catch Sunday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals on a giant screen at the unofficial watch party. Never mind the heat, the bugs, or the Central Florida humidity that would have kept most fans without tickets inside somewhere else.

"It's the best place to be without tickets," Magic fan Charlotte Jenkins said.

She and her two daughters, Jasmine Simmons, 18, and Catrina Smith, 15, drove from Clermont four hours ahead of tipoff to snag a seat close to the outdoor jumbo screen.

In the hours before the game, fans with and without tickets had their choice of fun at the outdoor party that resembled a summer street fair.

There were balloon artists twisting blue and white balloons into wearable art. Kids and adults tried to make free throws into a bouncy air castle-esque backboard, while others created one-of-a-kind spirit signs.

A live cover band played random hits, as the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers filled the air.

A small contingent of star-struck fans gathered on the arena's west side to try and catch a glimpse of their favorite players as they arrived before the game.

"Everybody comes down here to at least get a view of them," Derek Burrell said as he waited with his fiancM-ie Princess Coleman, son and godson.

Burrell, who is no stranger to Magic's players or their cars, quickly named off the color, make and model of each player's vehicle.

Some players, Burrell said, give a quick wave. Others seemingly ignore their eager fans, while a select few will roll down a window and give fans an up-close photo op.

"Everybody out here wants them to be a little more friendly," Burrell said.

Dwight Howard, who Burrell said is normally one of the more friendly players, drove by quickly before Game 5.

But to 11-year-old Khaled Keaton, Howard remained his favorite player.

"He's my favorite player because he cares about the community," Khaled said. "He gave a donation to the Boys & Girls Club in Pine Hills and I go there."